Journal of a Gulf born NRI
I was born and brought up in Saudi Arabia, and went for further studies to India. Some of my experiences- We, Gulf kids were considered to be show-offs by the other people because of our Manglish.( mix of malayalam &English). We spoke Malayalam at home and I had learned to read and write my mother tongue, so it was quite ok for us kids.My Dad was particular about us knowing the culture and language of Kerala. Going for vacation to our hometown ,was always very exciting ,starting from the shopping, packing, plane journey and all. Unlike nowadays ,we used to have those big suitcases which would be filled with gifts- chocolates, clothes, bags ,perfumes, tiger balm,axe oil,nuts, milk powder, tang etc. Being able to play outdoors in the courtyard( muttam) was very thrilling for us, who were used to the flat life. Rain, enjoying nature, carrying umbrellas and even wearing flip-flops all added to the fun. Attending weddings, wearing jasmine flowers( mulla poov) in our hair, In...